CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston International Airport is delighted to announce the Paws for Takeoff Dog Therapy Program. The program was designed to elevate passenger experience while also providing a way to soothe anxious travelers.
Playful, tail-wagging canines and their owners provide a special way to help alleviate the stress that is so common in an airport environment. Teams volunteering at CHS will visit on Thursdays or Sundays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.Volunteers will walk leashed pets throughout the presecurity side of the airport, greeting passengers and guests.
“Flying these days can be a bit stressful–but travelers will now have the opportunity to ‘paws’ and meet one of the new therapy dog team members at CHS,” said Elliott Summey, CEO of Charleston International Airport. “The dogs create a gathering, an audience, which creates its own community as people talk to each other, sharing their own stories.”
The program has been in the works for a few months, with a branding competition held on Social Media in May of 2021. After a “bracket-style” competition, Paws for Takeoff was selected by followers for the program name.
Handlers must carry a current Alliance of Therapy Dogs [ATD] membership card on their person. Required medical records of the companion will also be accessible. The handler and companion must abide by ATD guidelines throughout their visit.
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a non-profit organization whose main goal to provide the best therapy dogs for people in hospitals, hospice, airports, schools, and libraries. This organization also provides education on animal therapy.
Charleston International Airport and ATD volunteers are excited to see this program take flight, and look forward to the “PAWsitive” feedback.